Table 1 A taxonomy of urban environmental issues
From: Obesity, physical activity, and the urban environment: public health research needs
Type of issues | Representative risk factors | Potential pathways of effect |
|---|---|---|
Land use issues | ||
Business and job loss | Lengthens commutes, reduces walking | |
Proximity of toxic facilities | Pollution may discourage outdoor activities | |
Lack of supermarkets | May be more difficult to access healthy diets | |
Abandoned buildings | Reduces density, increases crime | |
Vacant lots | Increases crime, discourages walking | |
Infrastructure, maintenance and service issues | ||
Sidewalks and street trees | Lack of pedestrian amenities discourages walking | |
Lighting | Fear of crime keeps people indoors | |
Transit projects | Lack of transit makes people more dependent on driving | |
Social environment issues | ||
Poverty and income inequality | Poor areas suffer from disinvestment | |
Racial segregation | May promote "redlining", the denial of loans to certain communities | |
Crime | Unsafe areas may result in less physical activity, lower overall health status |